I’ve seen almost every musical going, from Les Misérables to the Lion King, but I’m finally about to complete my musical theatre education with Singin’ in the Rain.

I’ve not watched many of the ‘golden era’ Hollywood films, which means I’ve missed out on some real classics. The Gene Kelly masterpiece is, sadly, one of them, but tonight I’m finally going to see what all the fuss is about at Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre.

For the few who also are unfamiliar with the 1952 musical, Singin’ in the Rain follows a group of actors in 1920s Hollywood and their attempt to transition from silent movies to the talkies, with plenty of laughs and romance along the way.

Sam Lips steps into Gene Kelly’s tap shoes and oozes charm as leading man Don Lockwood. He’s joined by Ross McLaren as right-hand funny-man Cosmo Brown, Charlotte Gooch as likeable love interest Kathy Selden and Steps singer Faye Tozer as the beautifully oblivious Lina Lamont.

It’s not easy to recreate such iconic roles, especially for a modern audience, but somehow they bring the characters to life in a fresh way, while still embracing the nostalgia of the original.

Cosmo’s big number, Make ‘Em Laugh, is a triumph. A masterclass in comic timing, the song’s slapstick humour is a laugh-a-minute hit, using classic comedy tropes while still staying impressively unpredictable. Ross’ unflappable performance, here and throughout the show, is the highlight for me.

Moses Supposes and Good Morning also shine as all-singing, all-dancing showstoppers, but there’s still one big moment the audience are waiting to see.

When the rain pours - quite literally - for the titular tune Singin’ in the Rain, it’s almost unbelievable. Until, that is, Don skips through the puddles and splashes the front rows, soaking them. The crowd collapses in laughter as the poor victims get drenched, adding another layer of fun to this heart-warming number.

Comedy is king throughout this show. The whole cast - Faye’s shrill voice and airheaded dimness, Ross’ one-liners and physical comedy, Charlotte’s warm humour and Sam’s ease - all come together to prove why it’s one of the greatest comedies of all time.

Despite some stellar performances, the real star of the show is the choreography. The ensemble are mesmerising; I spend as much time watching them as I do the main cast. The entire group performs as one, creating endlessly magical movement across the stage.

As soon as the main trio leave the stage to a standing ovation (after giving the audience one final splash), I immediately want to watch the whole thing again. My cheeks ache from smiling, the songs are already playing on a loop in my head, and my heart is full of joy.

I walked into the theatre knowing little more than the film’s Wikipedia synopsis, and walked out gushing to anyone who would listen about how wonderful Singin’ in the Rain is - something most of them already know.

I’m listening to the soundtrack as we speak in the hopes that I can relive the elation I felt watching the show, and suspect I may be chasing that level of pure joy for some time. What a glorious feeling indeed.

Singin’ in the Rain is showing at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, until Saturday, March 26. Book online here or call 01227 787 787.